Baviaanskloof Mega-Reserve

Wilderness Foundation Africa managed the planning and implementation phase of the Baviaanskloof Mega-reserve Project for the duration of the project’s planned life-span until mid-2009, with the final hand over between the Project Management Unit and the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) as the management authority from 2009 until 2011.

Upon conclusion of the project the following were successfully achieved:

Implementer of Baviaanskloof Mega-reserve Project (500 000ha) (2003 – 2009) which lead to the Baviaanskloof proclaimed as a World Heritage Site.

Developed conservation strategy

Stakeholder process design and implemented

Fundraising in excess of R35 million

Governance structures established

Coleske community situation managed

Biodiversity and citrus strategy developed and implemented

15 000 hectares added to the Protected Area

First contractual area incorporated into the Protected Area

200 Proud Partners managing 200 000 hectares

7 Tourist routes developed incorporating over 200 Tourism Partners

Heritage Route developed and visitor guide produced

Vegetation map produced

Strategic management plan produced

Conservation plan produced

Environmental Information System created

Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool system implemented

Tourism Development Plan developed

Financial sustainability study completed

World Heritage Site Interpretive Centre built and fitted

10 Local community members trained as guides

9 local community members trained as beekeepers

50 local community members trained in tourism and small business development